Ralph Paye, a prominent land dealer from Lower Margibi County, has vehemently denied any involvement in the recent shooting of Chief Inspector Sam W. Walker. The shooting incident, which occurred on April 5, 2025, at the New Jerusalem Community junction in Mount Barclay, has been the subject of media reports linking Paye to the crime.
In a phone interview with FrontPageAfrica on Monday, April 7, Paye responded to the allegations, stating that he was not in Monrovia at the time of the attack. Instead, he confirmed that he was in his village, far from the location where the shooting occurred.
“I was not in Monrovia when the incident occurred. I was in my village, and any claims suggesting otherwise are absolutely untrue,” Paye emphasized. “While I know some of the individuals named in the report, that does not implicate me in this situation. I am fully innocent of these charges.”
Paye, who has a well-established reputation in the region as a land dealer, insisted that his profession was unrelated to the incident and that such associations were unfounded. He described the allegations as a case of misinformation and reaffirmed his commitment to both his community and the rule of law.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) is actively investigating the attack, in which Chief Inspector Walker was shot in the leg. A suspect has already been arrested, and several other individuals, including Joe Hagan, Joe Hagan Jr., Prince Weayee (Chekee), Prince Lord, and Patrick Kellen, have been named as persons of interest. The police have also appealed to the public for help in locating and identifying these individuals.
Paye expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities in their efforts to resolve the case. He expressed confidence that, as the investigation continues, the truth will emerge and his name will be cleared.
“Throughout my life, I have always been committed to fairness, integrity, and honesty,” Paye said. “I am confident that, in time, the truth will be revealed, and my name will be cleared.”
Paye urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions and allow the justice system to work through the facts of the case.
